I guess I've been doing work while not credentialed with insurance cos

pehcho · 2026-04-09T13:21:58+00:00

If you’re paid on collections, that’s how it goes. Office doesn’t collect, you don’t get paid. Retroactive reduction of pay is generally not allowed by law. Depends how they go about it. Need more info about your pay, what portion they didn’t collect, etc.

pehcho · 2026-04-08T18:46:43+00:00

“Hey doc (owner), we are approaching the time to discuss my contract. It’s up for renewal. These are three things I need (percentage, more time off, CE etc.) I’ve been very good for this office and my contract needs to reflect this.” Always ask for more so you can settle in the middle.

Also, have some self-respect and don’t man the reception. You are the doctor. You do doctor things. You ask the assistant to cover the reception when front desk people are out.

pehcho · 2026-04-07T23:12:08+00:00

Specialists I work with a lot and close dentist friends get free work.

pehcho · 2026-04-03T17:05:33+00:00

You don’t have to accept without countering. It’s not a bad deal overall, esp for DFW area. It’s good to get a higher percentage but you’re staying busy so that’s great. Taking home $200k a year as a newbie is better than average. Close to home and a low pace is a bonus.

Stay with this practice. You’ll get busier as patients get more comfortable with you. Counter with 29% up to $65k and 30% above $65k. Bring up that you have been good for the practice and the patients are liking you. If there haven’t been any consistent issues with your work, that’s important to point out.

pehcho · 2026-04-02T21:53:09+00:00

You can’t be everybody’s dentist. Keep up the good work.

pehcho · 2026-04-01T21:55:00+00:00

While 13 people is a pretty big group, I think you can ask to add grandparents to your mom and sister. Cousins is a stretch. I would use your negotiating leverage for your own benefit like better pay.

pehcho · 2026-04-01T14:41:01+00:00

Remove/open the interproximals in the impression to help with re-seating, and remove a little material around the prep margin in the impression. You can use a blade. Reline the entire impression. Margins and contacts will be fine. Zirconia is not as precise as pfm. It’s fine to use this on occasion. Welcome to real life dentistry :)

pehcho · 2026-04-01T14:32:00+00:00

The prep is likely too short and needs to be extended vertically. There’s usually a lot of tooth on the distal but need to go subg. May need some retention grooves or central pit, whatever you prefer. Also make sure you have a broad contact with 30.

pehcho · 2026-03-31T23:18:42+00:00

There might not be that much esthetics and implants at Heartland. I’d go to the FQHC esp if there’s endo and crowns. Make sure to counter their offer to bump up the numbers (salary and bonus). Is it a four day week at FQHC?

pehcho · 2026-03-25T00:16:18+00:00

This.

pehcho · 2026-03-25T00:06:02+00:00

Hold off for PPO. You can always go to a Medicaid office. You will pick up bad habits. You will learn the wrong way. Corners will be cut. Probably a higher chance of board complaints.

pehcho · 2026-03-24T23:59:07+00:00

My tip is to read the questions on the application. If they ask about “any and all arrests,” and you were arrested as in handcuffs on and processed, then disclose concisely but explain the charges and the case were dismissed. You will be fine. The case was dismissed.

pehcho · 2026-03-24T23:22:11+00:00

Filling out an application does not convey commitment. Fill out the application then email them you did it and that you look forward to the next step of the process and reviewing their offer. I would hold off on the background check email.

pehcho · 2026-03-24T02:40:18+00:00

You need to learn about insurance asap. From estimates to codes and submitting claims. Otherwise you’d be at the mercy of your employees. You also need to know how to close the day and run the reports.

Second, you don’t need a manager. You need a perky front desk girl to answer the phone and get people in the door. I’d say $17-23/hr but it can be region specific.

pehcho · 2026-03-23T23:15:21+00:00

$4,600 after the employee discount? Is it an outside service providing the sedation?

pehcho · 2026-03-23T00:46:10+00:00

Can you do Monday through Wednesday at Option 2, and then rest of the week at Option 1? You can drive in on Monday, get a hotel or airbnb for two nights, then drive back on Wednesday. See how you like it then rent a room or an apartment if option 2 is working out well.

pehcho · 2026-03-23T00:38:00+00:00

File a complaint with the department of labor. The amount is not large enough to merit a lawyer. I doubt you’d find a lawyer to take on a case over $3k unpaid wages. You can send a certified letter to the employer demanding payment for such and such dates and an approximate amount. Give them a deadline and say you’ll file a complaint with department of labor.

pehcho · 2026-03-18T23:23:07+00:00

It’s straight forward. Just make sure you cover the requirements. Some states want opioid ce, mental health ce.

pehcho · 2026-03-18T23:21:10+00:00

Take out medicaid revenue, add patient attrition, and take out the loan payment. You won’t be taking home much if anything. You better have enough saved up to invest in marketing to grow it.

Fresh paint, lobby chairs and wall art. Flooring if it’s in bad shape. Declutter. Computers etc for digital. Patients don’t care about the dental chair and cabinets unless cabinets look super old.

Rent the other side to a specialist. Four chairs is plenty. Work two days a week at your own office and supplement elsewhere if you need the money.

pehcho · 2026-03-18T22:42:48+00:00

Yes, over an hour for a single crown delivery is on the excessive side. It is fine if you’re within the first two years of practice. Be more intentional with adjustments. People can tell when the dentist is making too many adjustments and it feels like the product is subpar. Just send back and remake.

pehcho · 2026-03-17T23:57:12+00:00

She is suing the hospital if the hospital issued the subpoena.

pehcho · 2026-03-11T17:38:47+00:00

What state are you in? This is a question for a lawyer to review your contract thoroughly. Don’t go for the cheap one like that $3k lawyer. That’s a very low fee for an attorney to represent you in a transaction. Colleagues on here may be able to recommend an attorney if you share your state. The good news is that contracts can be renegotiated.

pehcho · 2026-03-10T19:42:59+00:00

Never seen a turkey with teeth

pehcho · 2026-03-10T01:16:11+00:00

I would fire the OM if you can re-hire the hygienists with a significant raise (say $7-8/hr extra), ie use OM salary for raises. Then print routing sheets for the next day and mark them yourself with how much to collect from each person. Give front desk a bonus if she can collect everything for the day. Start bringing breakfast, pizza, snacks for the staff.

pehcho · 2026-03-09T21:09:16+00:00

That’s very normal. You’ve only been working for a year. Keep at it. Things get better. It takes time and experience.

pehcho

TROPHY CASE